More support for survivors of conflict-related violence

For a long time, access to justice for people who survived conflict-related sexual violence existed more on paper than in practice. Although the right was formally guaranteed, exercising it was difficult due to the lack of clear implementation mechanisms, particularly access to free secondary legal aid (state-funded legal representation, which includes not only legal advice but also representation and legal assistance in proceedings).

However, on 21 May 2026, amendments to the Law of Ukraine "On Free Legal Aid" entered into force. These amendments supplemented part one of Article 14 with paragraphs 28-2 and 28-3, expanding the categories of people eligible to receive such assistance in cases related to conflict-related sexual violence.

What was the situation before

Previously, this right was available primarily to victims in criminal proceedings, particularly proceedings concerning offences against sexual freedom and sexual integrity, as well as torture or cruel treatment committed during the war. In other words, access to legal aid was mainly linked to criminal proceedings.

In 2024, Ukraine adopted the special Law No. 4067-IX, which established a separate support system for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence. The law introduced the procedure for recognising a person as a survivor, provided for the establishment of a dedicated Commission, and guaranteed the right to urgent interim reparations - temporary financial assistance or other forms of state support provided before full compensation for the harm suffered.

However, a legal gap remained. Although the new law was already in force, the Law "On Free Legal Aid" had not yet been aligned with these changes. As a result, some people formally fell within the scope of legal protection but did not have a clearly established right to free secondary legal aid that would allow them to exercise those rights.

This gap has now been addressed. Two important categories have been added to Article 14 of the Law "On Free Legal Aid":

1. people who have applied to be recognised as survivors of conflict-related sexual violence, but whose applications have been rejected. They are now entitled to free secondary legal aid to challenge such a refusal;
2. people who have already been officially recognised as survivors. They are entitled to free secondary legal aid to protect the rights guaranteed under Law No. 4067-IX.

This is an important development because legal aid is now available not only during the investigation of a criminal offence, but also at the stage when a person is seeking official recognition as a survivor or defending their rights after obtaining that status.

What does free secondary legal aid include

The law directly refers to paragraphs 2 and 3 of Part Two of Article 13 of the Law of Ukraine "On Free Legal Aid."

It includes:

1. representation of a person's interests before courts, state authorities, and local self-government bodies;
2. preparation of procedural documents (applications, complaints, motions, and other legal submissions).

In practice, this means much more than legal advice. It provides comprehensive legal support, including assistance with preparing an appeal against the refusal to grant survivor status, communicating with public authorities, and exercising the rights to protection, support, and interim reparations.